Schedule

Monday, October 15

6:30 am – 5 pm | Registration Open

Tuesday, October 16

7:30 am – 5 pm | Registration Open

8 am – Noon | Concurrent half-day Short Courses (choose one)Knowledge for Better Design of Geosynthetic Reinforced MSE StructuresInstructor, Michael Simac, PE, EARTH Improvement TechnologiesThis course is intended for geotechnical, civil, and structural engineers who wish to expand their abilities to plan, analyze, design and investigate geosynthetic reinforced Mechanically‐Stabilized Earth (MSE) structures. Previous MSE design experience is helpful but not required. After a brief introduction of MSE design guidelines and procedures, this session will focus on the most common problems associated with poor MSE structure performance, and how to address those issues from an engineering design perspective. This knowledge of past experiences will allow designers to focus their analytical, investigative, observational, and geotechnical data interpretation techniques to improve performance on future MSE designs, through more focused design procedures, better construction drawings and details, specifications, internal drainage design, and quality assurance testing for special inspection requirements. The MSE designer’s interaction with the project team; Owner, Contractor, Architect, Site/Civil and Geotechnical Engineers, will be discussed as to its effects on site planning, utility location and performance, and overlapping design / professional responsibilities.

Designing with Geosynthetics – Construction ProtocolsInstructor, L. David Suits, LDS Geosynthetic Consulting ServicesExamine geosynthetics in roadway applications such as drainage, erosion control, pavement overlay, embankments, and Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS) while developing an appreciation for proper protocols, clear specifications and sustainable construction. Individuals involved in constructing with geosynthetics including construction contractors and geotechnical, civil, and environmental engineers will find this review of the types, applications and guidelines for use geosynthetics in roadways a solid foundation for understanding road construction protocols.

1:45 – 3:30 pm | Technical LecturesUse of Geosynthetics in Airport PavementsBenjamin Mahaffay, PE, Civil Engineer, FAAHear about new research, future goals and updated specifications for geosynthetics in airport pavements. We will review the FAA’s drafted Advisory Circular 150/5370-10H, which includes language regarding the use of geosynthetics as well as their Airport Pavement Revamped Section structural/performance improvements research into geosynthetic products within an airport pavement structure and discuss the on-going research and proposed full-scale accelerated pavement tests at NAPTF, including future goals for incorporating geosynthetics within the new FAA specifications.

Capillary and Moisture Control in Roadway Structures using Wicking GeotextilesBrian Baillie, PE, Engineering Business Manager, South Central Region, TencateStudy the effects of capillary rise on foundations and various subgrade soil materials. We will share commonly used solutions to moisture control in roadways and uncover the most updated available research as well as newly available technologies used to minimize the effect of capillary rise on geotechnical foundation systems.

Effect of Differential Settlement on the Performance of the GRS-IBSMurad Abu-Farsakh, PhD, PE, F.ASCE, Research Professor, LSU/LRTCInvestigate the performance results of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil–Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS) under various environmental loading conditions using finite element analysis. Dive into the study of four differential settlements under three service loading conditions. We will investigate the performance of GRS-IBS due to differential settlement underneath the reinforced soil foundation, the reinforced zone, and the retained soil in terms of reinforcement strain, lateral facing deformation, the bump at the approach roadway – bridge slab intersection, and lateral facing pressure.

Wednesday, October 17

7:30 am – 5 pm | Registration Open

8 – 9 am | Morning PlenaryAdvancing the Nation’s Infrastructure: The USACE RoleJeb Tingle, PE, Senior Research Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development CenterGain a solid understanding of the importance of the USACE’s research and development in maximizing the impact of infrastructure projects with limited budgets. We will investigate the challenges related to the deteriorating network and the “business as usual” approach plus:
• Describe the role of research in improving infrastructure solutions
• Demonstrate the value of innovation in infrastructure projects
• Outline a roadmap for implementation of new technologies to improve project efficiencies.

9:15 – 10:45 am | Panel Discussion – Organized by Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA)Geosynthetic Solutions for Levee InfrastructurePanel members: Doug Brown, PE, Tensar International Corp.; John Lostumbo, PE, Tencate Geosynthetics Americas; Scott Czewski, PE, Strata Systems Inc.; Sven Schröer, HUESKER Inc.; Lee Pierce, Propex GeoSolutionsPanelists will review the estimated $80 billion needed in the next 10 years needed to improve and maintain the over 30,000 miles of levees in the U.S. including discussions on:
• The challenges of the aging levee infrastructure
• Planned improvements identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies
• The use of specific geosynthetic solutions including durability, resilience and sustainability
• The types of geosynthetics that can provide soil reinforcement, improved drainage and seepage control, consolidation, slope stabilization, erosion control and other levee construction
• Examples of innovative techniques that led to successful performance
Attendees will come away with a better understanding of how the geosynthetics industry is working together to be a valuable resource to decision makers in the levee infrastructure improvement community.

Design and Construction of Geosynthetic Stress Relief Wall for US Bank StadiumStephan Gale, PE, D.GE, F.ASCE, Principal Engineer and President, Gale-Tec Engineering Inc.Gather insights from the design and construction of a solution that saved the Minnesota Vikings Stadium millions of dollars leveraging geosynthetics. The project required 40-foot high perimeter foundation walls with a concrete wall and a large footing for overturning resistance due to the poor quality weathered bedrock at this depth. We will dig into the unique design and construction of the concrete block basement wall containing a Geogrid reinforced granular fill with a Geotextile wrapped /specialty wire basket face to complete the Stress Relief Wall which was offset from the basement wall by 3 ft. with a precast concrete slab spanning the void space.

12:15 – 1:15 pm | Lunch

1:30 – 3:30 pm | Technical LecturesMarshland Shoreline Protection – Buoyancy Compensated Erosion Control ModulesAustin Huang, PhD, PE, LG, D.GE, F.ASCE, Principal, Merit EngineeringDiscover the Buoyancy Compensated Erosion Control Module (BCECM) system that was custom designed for the Louisiana Shoreline Marshland. We will study how 500’ of it was installed and tested over 3 years under prevailing storm conditions in the LA-0016 Non-Rock Alternative to Shoreline Protection Demonstration Project with USDA-NRCS. Seven surveys have shown that the BCECM controlled shoreline erosion and stopped over 90% of the devastating loss of shore lands. Hear how it has effectively and consistently reduced wave energy.

Statement on the Long-Term Flow Rate of Multi-linear Drainage Geocomposites to Landfill LeachatePascal Saunier P. Eng., Business Development Manager – East, AFITEX-Texel Geosynthetics Inc.Examine the Geosysnthetic Institute’s testing on multi-linear drainage geocomposites designed to increase the performance of landfill leachate collection systems and limit the hydraulic head on both primary and secondary liner systems. We will consider the results of long-term biological and hydraulic conductivity testing on Multi-linear drainage geocomposites carried out in Europe, Africa and USA with the Geosynthetic Institute and explore recommendations for designing landfill leachate collection systems at North American land.

GCL- Not only a Clay Layer in between GeotextilesIsmail Coksayar, Managing Director, Geomas Geokompozit San. Muh. Tic. A.S.
Examine the challenges and benefits of the many different types of Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs). By reviewing various designs and applications we will:
• Analyze simple design changes in the carrying layer, bentonite layer and cap layer of each product as a solution for the various needs of designers
• Discuss various problems from designs and applications and consider solutions developed by GCLs
• Explore bentonite liners, polymer enhanced materials, reactive liners, organaoclay liners together with alternative carrying and cap layers of GCL jointly with laminated films.

A Next Generation Geomembrane Solution for Water Management at the USACE Engineer Research and Development CenterAndy Durham, PE, Senior Geosynthetics Engineer, Owens CorningDiscover substantially higher strength, puncture, and tear resistance using a prefabricated Reinforced Composite Geomembrane (RCG) leveraged by the Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Rapid Repair Levee Breach facility. We’ll review how the facility – used to simulate emergency levee repairs during substantial hydraulic events – fell into disrepair after a liner failure caused subsequent erosion and sedimentation damage and, due to schedule and budget constraints, agreed to this innovative solution for lining one of the storage basins at the facility. Learn how this liner has provided the required performance with a rapid, cost-saving installation technique.